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Barring something unforeseen, one of the following eight players will hear his name called when the Detroit Pistons use their first-round pick tonight. They have a glaring hole at small forward, so smart money says that's where the Pistons go. But there is one dark horse and two prospects that would make things interesting. Free Press sports writer Vince Ellis breaks down the eight likeliest picks for the Pistons:

The likely targets

SF Mario Hezonja

Why: Croatian offers most enticing blend of athleticism and shooting among all small-forward prospects.

Why not: Recent offensive explosion for Spanish team probably put him out of Pistons' range. There are also maturity issues.

He said: "If I was in college, I'd probably be the No. 1 pick. My coach trusts me, and I believe in myself," he told a European publication.

They said: "I see stardom with, what we say in America, with an asterisk. If his maturity level increases, and he is a very volatile, mercurial player because he is so intense and he has so much pride, if he comes over to the NBA, allows himself to be coached, I think he has, at the very worst, NBA starter talent, and then stardom will go from there," ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla said.

SF Justise Winslow

Why: He has the potential to be the best two-way player in the draft.

Why not: It's doubtful he will fall to No. 8. And can he shoot it well enough?

He said: "Honestly, I feel like every situation is appealing in the NBA. You're getting paid to do what you love. Certain rosters you may fit in better, but every situation is appealing. … It's all the same league. Everyone is trying to do the same thing, which is win a championship."

They said: "Winslow played his absolute best late in the year as Duke won the NCAA tournament, highlighted by a few stellar performances that raised his stock firmly into the top 10 and possibly even higher," DraftExpress said.

Why: It seems the stars are aligning for Johnson to be the guy for the Pistons. He brings a well-rounded game as a former high school point guard.

Why not: He might be the safe pick. But does Kelly Oubre have more upside?

He said: "(Scouts) want to see an all-around game. I'm sold as a person that's very versatile that can play all spots on the floor, do a lot of things. At Arizona, some teams thought I was kind of stiff. They want to see the ball in my hands in ballhandling situations and stuff like that."

They said: "Offensively, he improved his shooting. He shot 37%, 38% as a three-point shooter. That doesn't make him — he's not a good shooter. He can make an open shot," ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said.

SF Kelly Oubre

Why: Some say he has the most upside of all the top small-forward prospects.

Why not: Didn't exactly overwhelm in one season at Kansas.

He said: "I've been working on my all-around game. A lot of people said they hadn't seen me dribble, so I've been working on my handle, getting it tight. My decision-making. I've improved my shot a lot. I'm more consistent right now."

They said: "It depends on what the goal is. If the goal is to be drafted high, then it's one set of variables for the decision. If the goal is what is best for a long and productive career, then there may be other variables that come into play," Bilas, on players leaving after one collegiate season.

SF Sam Dekker

Why: If the Pistons trade down, Dekker would be a potential target.

Why not: Shot well for Wisconsin in the NCAAs — not so well in the regular season.

He said: "I like getting up and down. Detroit plays a free-flowing system that gets up and down and has some good athletes. I think I'd be able to jump right in and play solid basketball. Right now, I'm not the strongest guy, but I'm not afraid to throw my body around and play physical basketball."

They said: "I don't think Sam is a great shooter. I think he's a guy that is streaky and he can make shots, but he's not a consistently good shooter. I think he needs to get stronger. Stronger in his drive, stronger in his finishing capability," Bilas said.

Dark horse

SG Devin Booker

Why: Shooting is at a premium, and the Grand Rapids native is the best shooter in the draft.

Why not: The Pistons' hole is at the three-spot, and he is blocked at the two-spot by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jodie Meeks.

He said: "I watched a lot of Rip (Hamilton). It's crazy now, because I really wasn't a shooter back then," he said. "I was just one of the bigger kids. I loved the way Rip played. Big Shot (Chauncey) Billups and Tayshaun's (Prince) block. I remember everything."

They said: "I think he's the best wing shooter in the draft. He's not just a catch-and-shoot guy. He looked as if he was that in Kentucky because of the makeup of their team. But I think he can put the ball on the deck. I think he's good in transition," Bilas said.

Shockers

PG Emmanuel Mudiay

Why: With Brandon Jennings' injury, the Pistons could need a point guard next season. They could use that $2.1-million salary slot to address it with Mudiay.

Why not: Probably won't last until the Pistons pick, and he is blocked from starting lineup by Reggie Jackson.

He said: "If you look at every team, they have a pretty good point guard. It's a point guard's league now," Mudiay said after a recent workout.

They said: "We may look back on this draft as we have with others and say, hey, he was better than some of the big guys. He was better than this, better than that. But he's a top-five talent," Bilas said.

PF/C Willie Cauley-Stein

Why: The Pistons need a backup center, and potentially the best defensive player in the draft would provide an inexpensive option.

Why not: DraftExpress reports there are concerns about an old foot injury, plus with Andre Drummond, it's hard to see him ever starting for the Pistons.

He said: "Ask the Miami Heat. I was kissing the rim. They don't think there's anything wrong with it," he told the Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal of his old foot injury.

They said: "Five separate NBA teams we spoke with all indicated varying degrees of concern after consulting with team doctors, with some saying it may cost the Kentucky big man a few spots on draft night," DraftExpress reported.

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The Detroit Pistons own the No. 8 pick in the June 25 NBA draft. Free Press sports writer Vince Ellis looks at some players who could be available when the Pistons pick, including Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky, above.
Age: 22.
College: Wisconsin senior.
Vitals: 7-1, 231.
The comparison: Kelly Olynyk.
The word: He brings polished offensive game to the pros, but short arms bring question marks. Will his game translate to the NBA? SAM RICHE TNS

PF/C Myles Turner
Age: 19.
College: Texas freshman.
Vitals: 6-11, 240.
The comparison: LaMarcus Aldridge.
The word: With Greg Monroe likely leaving, the Pistons could use his shooting touch. Not overly athletic, but reports suggest that has been an area of focus in workouts. Eric Gay Associated Press

SF Stanley Johnson
Age: 18.
College: Arizona freshman.
Vitals: 6-6, 242.
The comparison: Ron Artest.
The word: He has the body and athleticism. His game is raw and needs work. Probably wouldn’t be ready to contribute much in his first season. Eugene Tanner Associated Press

SG Devin Booker
Age: 18.
College: Kentucky freshman.
Vitals: 6-6, 206.
Comparison: Klay Thompson.
The word: The draft’s youngest player could be the draft’s best shooter — a definite need for the Pistons. But can he offer more than shooting? James Crisp Associated Press

SF Sam Dekker
Age: 21.
College: Wisconsin junior.
Vitals: 6-9, 219.
The comparison: Kyle Singler.
The word: Probably would be in position to help immediately given his age and Pistons having a hole at small forward. Shot the ball extremely well during NCAA run, but was it for real? Andy Manis Associated Press

SF Justise Winslow
Age: 19.
College: Duke freshman.
Vitals: 6-feet-6, 220 pounds.
The comparison: Jimmy Butler.
The word: He would be a perfect addition to the Pistons’ young nucleus. Scouts like his toughness, but wonder if strong NCAA tournament is indicator of talent. USA TODAY Sports

PF Kristaps Porzingis
Age: 19.
Team: Baloncesto Sevilla in Spain.
Vitals: 6-11, 220.
The comparison: Andrea Bargnani.
The word: Latvian big man with range would create room for Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson. Some say he could land in the top three. Questions abound about his thin frame. Latvian flag